A Family of Their Own(40)

“How was it?” Ross opened the passenger door and she slid inside.

“Rough, and I’m ashamed of myself.”

His brows lifted. “What did you say?”

As he pulled away, she told him what she’d done and the thoughts she’d been able to squelch. “Ripping her with my feelings would have accomplished nothing. Do you know what I did?”

He shook his head.

“I looked at you, and thanked God for the gift.”

He dropped one hand from the steering wheel and covered hers. “I’m happy you feel that way. Sometimes I question the wisdom of our relationship. I know people have said things to you, and I’ve heard a few comments myself. Nothing terrible, but asking how we manage with two sick children. I don’t like to think of it that way, but their words make it a reality.”

She lifted her shoulders. “I’m not crazy about reality, either. And as far as we are concerned, so far so good.”

He gave her hand a pat and grasped the steering wheel. “What should we do while we wait? How about lunch?”

She eyed her watch. “It’s a little early yet. Let’s check out the art museum. I hear it’s terrific.” And hopefully it would give her time to cool down.

“Sounds good. We can find a place to have lunch downtown.”

“What is it with men and thoughts of food?” She smiled and it felt good.

He grinned back and patted his trim belly. “Food’s good, but being with you is better.”

Sometimes she thought her life had become too good to be true. And that worried her.



“It is terrific. You were right.” Ross stood near the reflecting pool at Rosa Park Circle, admiring the cantilevered concrete portico that thrust outward from the museum. “An amazing sight. Being a contractor, all I can say is one word. Powerful.”

“It is. I know someone who comes here and mentioned it. I can use a relaxing distraction.”

“Thinking of Lucy, aren’t you?” He didn’t need to hear her response. Kelsey had been quiet since they’d left Doug’s house.

She nodded. “But this is nice. The museum couldn’t have a nicer setting than this park.”

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “If it was warmer, we could sit outside and enjoy the view.”

She leaned into him with a chuckle. “So let’s check it out.” She motioned to the museum.

He lowered his arm and grasped her hand, weaving his fingers through hers. When the girls were around, he tried to be more discreet and sometimes it killed him. Today they had time alone, but, as always, Lucy and Peyton hung in their minds.

They wandered inside, and he stopped again to admire another reflecting pool glinting in the winter sun. April was on their doorstep, and he longed for those warmer days when they could sit in the park and enjoy a picnic or a bike ride with the girls. His chest constricted. Would Peyton be able to ride a bike? He could only pray and wait for the blessing.

“Nice.” Kelsey motioned to the wide hallways with shining oak flooring and white walls that set off the masterpieces of art.

He sensed her distraction, and when he spotted a bench, he motioned for them to sit. She followed his suggestion and sank onto the concrete. He joined her, wishing he had words to make things better. “Lucy will do okay, and I’m sure her dad is thrilled to see her. If he’s facing death, Kelsey, maybe he’ll want to make up for the years of negligence.”

“Can anyone make up for those years, Ross?” She shook her head in answer to her own question.

He couldn’t blame her, but he wished he understood more fully. “You’ve been single a long time now, Kelsey. You’re a kind, loving person, and it doesn’t suit you to carry the anger so long.” From her expression, he’d struck a nerve.

“Maybe I’m angry at myself for not wanting to face the affair. I always explained it away.”

Emotions caught Ross off guard. The tender feeling filled him. “How long did it go on before you found out?”

“A year or more.”

He shook his head, startled at how long she’d been deceived, but it showed how trusting Kelsey had been. That’s what a marriage should be.

“Doug traveled for his job, and now that I look back, I have no idea when he was really on a business trip or somewhere with Karen. Sometimes when he was going out of town, I’d try to make plans with her. You know, a girls’ night out. Once in a while, we’d go to a movie or out to dinner, but more and more she had excuses. She had an out-of-town wedding or a sick aunt or something. It was easy to think coincidence.”